Project Overview
Many strata properties eventually reach a point where repairing and repainting an aging wood fence no longer makes financial or practical sense. That was the situation facing this 64-unit townhouse and condominium complex in Surrey, BC. Its cedar fencing had begun to lean, break down, and require increasingly frequent maintenance.
The project included 2,115 linear feet of fencing: 1,966 feet of 3-rail NORTHERNLINE® vinyl ranch rail fencing and 149 feet of six-foot-high YUKON vinyl privacy fencing. The strata also needed 79 four-foot-wide ranch rail gates to maintain access to residents’ front and back yards.
The Problem
The existing fence included a mixture of cedar picket, ranch rail, and privacy sections. Peeling paint, moss growth, rotten posts, leaning areas, and broken components made the fencing look worn and uneven.
The strata had completed repairs over the years, but the wood continued to require attention. The property manager and strata council wanted a more dependable solution that would improve the property’s appearance and eliminate the need for regular painting, staining, and repairs caused by rot.
The Solution
The strata approached Premium Fence with vinyl already in mind. They chose 3-foot-high ranch rail fencing for most of the property because its simple design maintained visibility and airflow along the road, sidewalks, yards, and landscaped areas. Six-foot-high YUKON privacy panels provided greater separation in areas that required it.
After completing the initial measurements and quote, our team attended the strata’s AGM on March 9. We provided product samples, project renderings, and a binder containing the quote, brochures, warranty details, installation process, and other project information. This allowed residents and council members to review their options and ask questions before officially selecting the three-rail style in White.
Our team began removing the old fence and installing the new system on April 27, 2026. Because the property followed a gradual slope, we stepped the fencing and installed some sections on retaining walls. We also used custom rail lengths ranging from approximately three to eight feet to fit around smaller yards, gardens, garden beds, trees, and other property features.
The crew completed the installation on May 11 while keeping the property accessible and minimizing disruptions for residents.
The Result
The white ranch rail fencing gave the strata a brighter, cleaner, and more coordinated appearance. It complemented the buildings’ light-coloured siding and brick while clearly defining individual yards and common areas without making the property feel enclosed.
The completed fence provides convenient access through 79 gates, open sightlines throughout most of the complex, and added privacy where needed. The strata now has an updated fence that will not rot, splinter, or require painting, staining, or sealing.
A 20-year limited product warranty covers the NORTHERNLINE® vinyl, and Premium Fence provides a 10-year workmanship warranty on the installation.
FAQ
Why did the strata replace its wood fencing?
The previous cedar fencing required too many repairs and too much ongoing maintenance. It had peeling paint, moss growth, rotten posts, leaning sections, and broken components.
The strata wanted a more dependable fence that would improve the property’s appearance without requiring regular painting, staining, or repairs caused by rot.
Why did the strata choose vinyl ranch rail fencing?
Vinyl ranch rail fencing gave the strata the open visibility and simple style it wanted while reducing ongoing maintenance. Unlike cedar, vinyl does not rot, splinter, or require regular painting, staining, or sealing.
The white material also helped brighten the property and coordinate the fencing with the existing buildings.
Is NORTHERNLINE® ranch rail fence available in 2-rail and 3-rail styles?
Yes. The standard NORTHERNLINE® ranch rail style uses three rails. Two-rail fencing is also available with custom post routing.
What heights and section widths are available?
NORTHERNLINE® ranch rail fencing is available in standard heights of three and four feet. Five-foot-high fencing is also available with custom routing.
Sections can span up to eight feet between posts. We can shorten the rails when the property layout, landscaping, or available space requires narrower sections. For this Surrey strata, section widths ranged from approximately three to eight feet.
What colors are available in NORTHERNLINE® ranch rail fencing?
NORTHERNLINE® ranch rail fencing is available in White, Light Grey, Tan, and Khaki. The strata considered White and Light Grey before officially selecting White following its AGM.
Can ranch rail vinyl fencing follow a slope?
Yes. Installers can either slope the rails to follow the flow of the ground or step each section to accommodate changes in elevation. For this project, our team stepped the fence sections along the gradually sloped property.
Learn more about stepped versus sloped fence installations.
How do you clean vinyl ranch rail fencing?
Vinyl fencing is easy to clean and maintain. A garden hose can remove most dirt and surface buildup. For more stubborn marks, mild soap, water, and a soft cloth or brush will usually clean the material.
A pressure washer can also help clean large amounts of fencing, but it should be used at a safe pressure and distance to avoid damaging the surface.
Read our guide to cleaning vinyl fencing.
What warranty comes with NORTHERNLINE® ranch rail fencing?
The NORTHERNLINE® vinyl installed for this project comes with a 20-year limited product warranty. Premium Fence also provides a 10-year workmanship warranty on the installation.
View the NORTHERNLINE® vinyl product warranty.